Hawaii's Fair Employment Practices Law

Hawaii law outlines several areas where an employer is prohibited from discriminating against its workers. These protected categories include: 

• Race

• Gender identity or expression

• Sexual Orientation

• Age

• Religion

• Color

• Ancestry 

• Disability 

• Marital status

• Arrest/Court Record

• Reproductive Health Decision

• Domestic/Sexual Violence Victim Status

• Absence due to National Guard Service

• Child Support Obligations

• Breastfeeding in the Workplace

• Credit History or Credit Report

• Refusing to undergo a Lie Detector Test

• Leave of Absence Related to Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood Stem Cell, or Organ Donation

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Although Hawaii is an "at-will" employment State, it does not mean that employers are given unlimited authority to do as they please.  Hawaii lawmakers have identified the above protected categories to make Hawaii's workplaces more inclusive and accessible.  If you have been unlawfully discriminated against, terminated, demoted, or refused from hire based on these categories, then you may have a viable claim and should consult with an attorney immediately.